• Re-connecting: By visiting the woodland regularly throughout the year or over years, people develop a sense of connection and belonging to a natural area. Through first hand observation they see the seasonal changes of wildlife and see the consequences of our actions upon it. This connection may lead to Forest School communities taking action to care for and protect natural areas that they visit.

 

• Developing understanding and skills: Repeated contact with a site and using the natural resources within it will develop learners understanding about the ecology and natural history of species and habitats. Practical outdoor skills may also be developed through Forest School. This can lead to a lifelong interest in these subjects and possibly career paths into wildlife conservation and/or environmental management.

 

• Site Management: Some Forest School programmes may support the management work of a woodland site, such as habitat creation and management, visitor access, species surveying, and increasing public awareness.

 

Many organisations have publicised the importance of reconnecting people with nature both for people and nature. The RSPB have a report called ‘Every Child Outdoors’ which summarises research about this.